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Besides being a source of good information for the customers you might have, it would be great if you had the opportunity to properly train others working in that department (little bonus pay?!). Since you won't be there all day and every evening, the other employees could end up undoing what you are trying to do.

One other bit of advice to impart to customers - one male and one female platty, molly, guppy, etc. will result in the need for more and larger tanks. And PetSmart will not buy back the babies.

Hey what an idea! I could totally do that, and I take every opportunity I can get for extra money lol.

Also about the guppies, that'll be yet another thing I add to my list.

I'm thinking I'll print out a large binder full of info pertaining to common fish(fish profiles), also cycling info in case something slips my mind, ways to treat common illnesses, and more advanced info for actual hobbyists.

EDIT: Gosh this is all in case I DO ACTUALLY get the job, I feel like all this presumptuous talk is gonna jinx me:p

I have to agree with Cliff - there have been several forum members who have worked at "big box" stores who report that all the good advice in the world won't stop someone from buying inappropriate fish, especially when there are kids involved.

People are hired at these places to sell fish and supplies, but you'd think that if the employee knows ANYTHING and can steer a customer in the right direction, this would encourage them to return to the store AND refer more customers because "there's an employee there who really knows his/her stuff". Unfortunately, if given the wrong advice, people will return anyway and say "the fish died last night - guess I better get another one!"

What is your plan if they offer you a job say in... hamsters? or kitty litter?

Well I applied because the aquarium section was 100% leaderless:p and also, if offered a job in another section i'll just have to research that section and offer the best advice possible, same with the fish. Petsmart has a bad rep with small animals too and anything I can do to help will be personally gratifying, no matter the department.

It is good that you will give good info, but don't forget its a RETAIL job. You're supposed to be selling things. On one hand, your trying to do the best thing for the fish. On the other, your boss wont be pleased when you turn a handful of people down from buying the fish they want.

Also(and im sure you know this), you wont be working with just the fish. The employees take care of all the animals. Fish are just one area, there's also all the reptiles and small mammals that need care too.

I finished my application to Petsmart 2 weeks ago. I hope we aren't competing for the same job lol.

Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I won't pass up a 10-15 dollar an hour job just because I have a little more to learn. Also, I plan on having a career in a few years. Whether that be as a part of the manager team at petsmart or something different. I feel as if I have MUCH more to offer as far as knowledge and experience than most of the people they hire.

BTW, questions are asked so that knowledge may be gained. I gained the knowledge I needed by asking that question so why judge me on something that I have already taken the steps to fix?

Good on you as I said before, at least your trying to make a difference.

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.
Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit. -Vince Lombardi
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” ― John WoodenSandy Hook Elementary......Lest We Forget
See my profile for my tanks and what fish I keep